"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself."
-Leo Tolstoy

Monday, May 4, 2009

PROFILE IN COURAGE: UNR STAND: Passing the torch....

The following is a speech I made at the closing meeting of UNR STAND at the Joe Crowley Student Union. It is a student organization at the University of Nevada Reno who works to educate and instruct students and the community on the plight of our fellow men and women in conflict areas through out the world. This was following their first successful fundraiser at the in Carson City. On Saturday, April 25, 2009, UNR STAND held its 1st Annual STAND FOR HUMANITY Benefit Dinner and Art Auction at the Governor's Mansion in Carson City, Nevada. It was a Black Tie Event. The event was held from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. There was about 55 people were in attendance, some traveling all the way from Las Vegas. UNR STAND was able to raise $2,000 for civilian protection initiatives in Darfur, Sudan and eastern Burma. All proceeds from Stand for Humanity will be donated to GI-NET’s Civilian Protection Program, which supports on-the-ground activities that aim to protect civilians at risk of genocidal violence. I wanted to make these comments and address the club's members because of a conversation I had with my parish priest one night over dinner regarding youth in our community and parish.

Voltaire put it simply, “Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.” I am a writer by craft, and I have two manuscripts I am working on and one of them is called The Seven Passions of Gabrielle Emelie, and it is modeled after Voltaire’s Candide. When I read about the warrant for Bashir’s arrest, I pondered what Voltaire would have said of such news. I would presume he would say that “All murders are made accountable and therefore punished, except those who kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.” We often mistake technological advances for evolution… Voltaire wrote of the Earthquake and Tsunamis that racked Lisbon in 1755:

UNHAPPY mortals! Dark and mourning earth!Affrighted gathering of human kind!Eternal lingering of useless pain!Come, ye philosophers, who cry, "All’s well,"And contemplate this ruin of a world.Behold these shreds and cinders of your race,This child and mother heaped in common wreck,These scattered limbs beneath the marble shafts—

When the cyclone hit Burma in May of last year (2008), I wondered, ‘has anything changed?’ Or are we still crying “All’s well,” the tranquil spectators of our brothers’ wreck, unmoved by the repellent dance of death in Rwanda, Darfur, Burma and elsewhere? Would Voltaire say that we are better than what we were? Have we taken care of our garden as Candide called his companions to do at the end of the novel? A friend of mine and I had a rather funny discussion about a mundane thing in church. The act of reaching out and holding hands while you say the Lord’s prayer. Some people have an issue with it, so NOT everyone will hold your hand during the Lord's Prayer or shake your hand when you offer it in peace, and it's damn rare that they will reach across the aisle to the person on the other side. WHEN it does happen, it's always a child pulling the adult across. My friend asked why was I so keen on it and I replied that I am a global person, among other things, the holding hands is big for me as it's a metaphor for the larger problems in our world. Why people in Darfur and Rwanda suffer and die, as we stand idly by and cry "All is well." Why Jews, Christians and Muslims, slaughter each other as they pray to the SAME God, why we don't have national health care, we decry welfare, TANF, Headstart and won't fund education, but we'll bail out GM, Wall Street and the Banks. If good God fearing, Republican voting, Fox news watching, Christians won't hold hands with the same God fearing, Republican voting, Fox news watching Christians in THEIR own Church, maybe that ought to say something about who we are; who we’ve become. Like in Les Miz, "Look down and show some mercy if you can - Look down, look down, upon your fellow man!" Is it really so hard, so difficult to pull your hand out of your pocket and extend it to the person standing next to you. To hold their hand in prayer to OUR God, to help them up off the street, to hand them a meal when they are hungry, to help them put on a jacket when it's cold…to put your hand around them when they need to be comforted. Like Candide said, to care for our own garden. What y’all do here is exactly that – you stretch out your arm and extend a helping hand to someone in need.

Philip Ernest Schoenberg, a Kennedy confidant and family friend, once published 13 key lessons on leadership from John Kennedy’s presidency. Those are: Set High Goals by Sharing a Vision, Be Independent, Set an Example by Becoming a Role Model, Be a Life Long Learner, Doing the Little Things Lead to the Big Things, Be a Great Communicator, Take responsibility, Demand excellence from others, Learn From Failures and Mistakes, Have the Courage of Your convictions by Believing in Yourself, Be a Team Leader, Show Compassion, and Lesson No. 13: Be Lucky. These are lessons and goals that I believe this organization and its members fully embody in not only its rhetoric but in its actions. Y’all don’t just talk the talk; y’all walk the walk. Jack Kennedy’s brother, Bobby, delivered a speech in March of 1968, two months before his own assassination, {Read Excerpt}

I often use another quote from Robert Kennedy who said it is not just bravery under fire or the bravery to make sacrifices, but the bravery to discard the comfort of illusion, to do away with false hopes and alluring promises. It takes courage in a crisis to speak plainly when many seek comfort; Courage to educate and instruct in times of difficulty when others want reassurance; courage to reveal frustration when faced with uncertainty rather than promise satisfaction. I feel sincerely that men and women such as yourselves…Carolina, Jenna and Kaitlyn are such examples of courage in our society. If I did not or have not communicated that effectively to each of you, I'd like to do so now. I remember the first time that I read Kennedy's book, Profiles in Courage. Jack Kennedy, who had lived a heroic life, had the right to write a book about other heroes. He wrote about United States Senators who had supported unpopular causes and risked their careers. The other day, Carolina posted an article on Facebook that told the story of five members of Congress and three activists who were arrested on civil disobedience charges in front of the Sudanese Embassy on Monday for protesting "crimes against humanity" in Darfur. The lawmakers -- Reps. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma), John Lewis (D-Ga.) and Donna Edwards (D-Md.) -- were handcuffed by Secret Service officers after crossing the tape and taken to jail by local police officers. These men and women, as well as all of you here today can be counted among those listed by Kennedy earlier. Yours is also a profile in courage; a reminder to our community, our country and our world what it means to be an American. I remain steadfast in my belief that this is a great nation and a great people. Any who seek to comfort rather than speak plainly, reassure rather than instruct, promise satisfaction rather than reveal frustration; they deny that greatness and drain that strength. Kennedy once said that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans— born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage—and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this Nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world. Half a century after they were uttered, those words still ring true. Over the past two decades, that torch has weathered some storms, and in some cases have wavered and dimmed. Yet another generation, your generation, moves it forward, to light the future and to lead the way. During the last election, CS Monitor quoted a young Las Vegas resident who said "It's my future… What I really don't understand is why there aren't more young people here because ... we are the ones who are going to have to live with the problems of the future." The test of this new generation is not about who will take blame for the failures of the past; but who will accept responsibility for our future. That is how, we as a people as a nation… it is the only way we can move forward.

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Joaquin with Public Defender, Rich McCauley at the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation (2000)

Robert Kennedy once said it is not just bravery under fire or the bravery to make sacrifices, but the bravery to discard the comfort of illusion, to do away with false hopes and alluring promises. I believe this is a great nation and a great people. Any who seek to comfort rather than speak plainly, reassure rather than instruct, promise satisfaction rather than reveal frustration; they deny that greatness and drain that strength.

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From Algeria to Reno, culture to culture

By Geralda Miller • gmiller@rgj.com • August 16, 2009

FALLEN

Right where it belongs....

Right Where It Belongs by Nine Inch Nails

See the animal in his cage that you built-Are you sure what side you're on?Better not look him too closely in the eyeAre you sure what side of the glass you are on?See the safety of the life you have built;Everything where it belongs.Feel the hollowness inside of your heartAnd it's all...Right where it belongs...

What if everything around youIsn't quite as it seems?What if all the world you think you knowIs an elaborate dream?And if you look at your reflectionIs it all you want it to be?What if you could look right through the cracks?Would you find yourself...Find yourself afraid to see?

What if all the world's inside of your headAre just creations of your own?Your devils and your gods;All the living and the dead;And you're really all alone?You can live in this illusionor you can choose to believe.You keep looking but you can't find the woodsWhile you're hiding in the trees.

What if everything around youIsn't quite as it seems?What if all the world you used to knowIs an elaborate dream?And if you look at your reflectionIs it all you want it to be?What if you could look right through the cracksWould you find yourself...Find yourself afraid to see?

(Nine Inch Nails)

2009 Global Gala

Joaquin Roces with Mrs. Dawn Gibbons, Nevada's First Lady

Community Connections Delegation from Russia

Russian visitors at Pyramid Lake, NV (July 2008)

Shari'a Judges from Jordan, IVLP 2006

Joaquin coordinated a program for Jordanian judges. Pictured above the judges explore Tahoe's western shore on Nov. 11 2006

Joaquin escorted a delegation from Turkmenistan to San Francisco in 2006

Turkmen delegates were here to meet with US Road Safety officials. Joaquin arranged a cultural trip to San Francisco. Here delegates pose with a California surfer.

2008 Open World Delegation from Kazakhstan

Iranian Journalist and visiting Brookings Scholar speaks at University of Nevada Reno

Joaquin guides Najmeh Bozorgmehr around Virginia City (Sept 2006). Najmeh works for Financial Times in Tehran.

2007 Open World Program on Environmental Tourism

Joaquin facilitated a program involving tourism officials from Tajikistan. Here Joaquin is with the program facilitator, Marina Kadyrova, and tourism official, Bakhtiyor Hamdamov.

Tajik delegation visits Pyramid Lake

As part of their cultural experience in Reno, the visitors travelled to the Pyramid Indian Reservation.

Joaquin facilitated a program in which 9 Middle East Journalist covered the Nevada Caucus (Jan. 08)

Joaquin and his sons pose with Moroccan journalist, Amina Koundi, at the home of Washoe Co. Republican Party President Heidi Smith

Democratic Vice Chair, Alison Gaulden, speaks to Mid East press at the Nevada Caucus at Reno High

Alison explains the democratic side of the process. The journalists covered both Republican and Democratic caucuses. Local and international papers covered the event.

Turkish MPs meet with State Assemblywoman Heidi Gansert in 2006

The Turkish parliamentarians visit Nevada's capital and sit in on a legislative session.

Fehmi Oztunc, a Turkish parliamentarian and Khurd, enjoys a meal with Reno teen

Mr. Oztunc at a reception dinner with Joaquin's son, James.

NNIC hosts Sen. Joe Biden at the University of Nevada Reno's campus.

The senator and presidential candidate spoke at the University regarding the future of American foriegn policy. Here Sen. Biden poses with officers of UNR's Model UN Club.

Civic Engagement Project

Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada

Civic Engagement Volunteers

Kat Baltierra, Sydney Brown and Amanda Gabbert , TMCC High School seniors, Canvassed over 100 homes on May 3rd 2008 and two special events. To date our volunteers have collected 120 voter registrations and pledges to vote in the Novemeber Elctions. GREAT JOB Everyone!

County Commissioner attends community event

Pledges to vote in November 2008

Kat Baltierra, TMCC High School, Civic Engagement Volunteer

Kat, who is a senior in Ms. Gardner's class at TMCC High School, stated that people were very excited to see young people actively participating in our democratic process and added that people generally had a positive attitude towards the volunteers.

For election 08, youth voter turnout swells

"It's my future," said the young Las Vegas resident. "What I really don't understand is why there aren't more young people here because ... we are the ones who are going to have to live with the problems of the future." - csmonitor.com

To Contact Erik Holland: Erikreno@aol.com

Erik Holland, Voters for Responsible Growth

Erik Holland, with Voters for Responsible Growth, and former candidate for Mayor

Holland pointed out that the Spring Mountain development conflicts with the idea of concentrating growth close to existing development. There also was concern about the cost of providing police, fire and other services to Spring Mountain.

Washoe County Commissioner Bob Larkin

On 3/11/08 conceded that the Spanish Springs area is already "over-allocated" in terms of water needs and usage (qoute provided by PLAN). According to Reno Gazette Journal, Larkin was quoted that imported water would be needed there (Spanish Springs) eventually.

Water won't be shut off to customers of Panther Valley Water Users Association; RGJ Article 3/20/08

Panther Valley is an area in north Reno that is south of the North Virginia Street and U.S. 395 connection. Land uses in the area include both residential and industrial. It is estimated to use 50 million gallons of water. Back payments and allegations of theft almost cut off water services to this area earlier this year.

US Marine Lt. Col. Couch speaks out against torture

Lt. Col. Couch's prepared remarks to the ABA

See Lt. Col. V. Stuart Couch's prepared remarks1 to the American Bar Association's Criminal Justice Section, which on Friday presented him its Minister of Justice Award, given annually to a prosecutor for demonstrating exemplary legal ethics.

British Generals Criticize Rumsfeld

General could be demoted over Tillman death

FORMER SECRETARIES OF STATE ON THE BIDEN-GELB PLAN

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright: "[T]he idea of the... constitution of Iraq [as] written, which allows for and mandates, in fact, a great deal of regional autonomy, is appropriate. I think there are certain central powers that a government needs. Some of it has to do with the oil revenue and various other parts. So without endorsing any plan, I do think reality here sets in that there will be regional autonomy."

[W]hen asked about Senator Biden's plan, I have said that, in fact, it is an attempt to keep the country together, which I do believe is what it is about. I'm just talking about in the long run what might happen that we do have to watch out for. But I think it is very clear from my reading of the plan that it is done in order to keep the country together. And I do think that is an essential point. [Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing, January 31, 2007]

Former Secretary of State James Baker: "...I was and still am interested in the proposal that Senator Biden and Les Gelb put forward with respect to the idea that ultimately you may end up with three autonomous regions in Iraq, because I was worried that there are indications that that might be happening, in fact, on the ground anyway and, if it is, we ought to be prepared to try and manage the situation. So we have a sentence in our report that says, 'If events were to move irreversibly in this direction, the United States should manage the situation to ameliorate the humanitarian consequences, contain the violence and minimize regional stability." [Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing, January 30, 2007]

Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger: "I'm sympathetic to an outcome that permits large regional autonomy. In fact, I think it is very likely that this will emerge out of the conflict that we are now witnessing."

"If the Iraqis cannot solve the problems that have been described, I've told the Chairman privately, that I thought that this [a federal system in Iraq] was a possible outcome, and at the right moment we should work in the direction that will (inaudible) for maximum stability and for maximum chances of peace." [Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing, January 31, 2007]

It is not about the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer.

About Me

Joaquin is the grandson of former Congressman Joaquin "Titong" Roces of the Philippines. Grandpa was also a journalist for the Manila Times and served as a Consular General for the Philippine Consulate in Taiwan. Joaquin is also a senior at the University of Nevada Reno majoring in International Affairs with a focus on the Middle East. Joaquin studied French and Russian as well as Arabic. Joaquin also served as a US Marines from 1985-1988 when he was medically discharged for wounds received in the line of duty. He has traveled to the far east, north Africa and Europe. He is a writer and registered artist with the Sierra Arts Foundation, as well as a distinguished member of the International Society of Poets. He has written for the Reno Gazette Journal on Special Assignment. Joaquin has served his home state of Nevada in the public sector under the Governor's office and the Nevada Indian Commission. He has legal professional for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Northern Nevada's Indian Tribes from 1997-2007. He is a member of The Our Lady of Snows Parish and is active within his faith community. In 2008, he received the Thornton Peace Prize from the University of Nevada Reno.

Arizona

The show me your papers state

Arizona: The NEW "Show Me" state

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